Estrada arrived on Saturday where he spent the afternoon with police officers and their families at the city park. After Thueson swore Estrada in as a reserve police officer, Estrada spent the rest of the afternoon at the high school at a meet and greet where he had his picture taken with residents of all ages.
Estrada has spent the past decade working with various law enforcement departments in keeping kids safe on-line. Following is induction, Estrada told how important it is to teach children what not to do while on the web.
Estrada chose St. Anthony as small rural communities prove more willing to quickly join forces with his organization. In larger cities, there is too much red tape and too many bureaucrats involved in trying to reach the mayor and police officials, he said.
Estrada grew up wanting to become a police officer thanks to his mother’s friendship with an exceptionally good police officer. Yet, during high school, got the acting bug after he signed up for drama when he became interested in dating a young woman. After Estrada told his mother of his change in plans, he promised her that, if acting didn’t work out by the time he was 30, he would return to New York and become a police officer. The cut off to do so was 32 years of age.
By the time Estrada was 27, he landed the role of California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer Frank “Ponch” Poncherello. He continued in that role from
1977 to 1983 making it possible to support his mother who hasn’t worked since that time.
“I’ve been taking care of her for 35 years,” he said.
Following “CHiPs,” Estrada continued acting but later became a reserve officer in Muncie, Indiana. To avoid attention, he worked nights as an officer. He later came in contact with law enforcement officers who spent the day working against internet predators. What Estrada witnessed sickened him so much that he decided to form a foundation to help educate and protect children from internet inticement.
Estrada says that all his dreams – from crime fighting to acting – have all come true.
